Yesterday marked the 80th anniversary of the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor that launched the United States into World War II. Barbara Gannon, associate professor of military history, spoke with WMFE’s Joe Byrnes about what students can learn from veterans of this war.
“I…hope that they can learn from these Americans of all particularly — and I really like this — of all races, ethnicities, men, women, young, old people, no different than them, people in college, just out of college, never went to college, that they can learn that they too can live through difficult times.”
Gannon leads the UCF Community Veterans History project, which collects and preserves the stories of local military veterans.
“…our idea is when you listen to someone’s story, it’s not just for recording them for posterity, which is important,” says Gannon. “But you’re letting them know you appreciate them. And it’s kind of a welcome home and thank you.”